Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, Ukrainian Catholic church in Centralia, US
The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church is a white stone building with a distinctive blue dome standing on North Paxton Street overlooking Centralia's empty roads. The structure displays the typical features of Ukrainian Catholic architecture with its Eastern design elements.
The building was constructed in 1911 during Centralia's peak coal mining era. It survived the underground mine fire of 1962 that forced most residents to leave the town behind.
The interior holds traditional Eastern European religious art, with many icons and painted religious scenes on display near the altar. These artworks show the faithful customs that the community has kept alive over many generations.
Weekly services continue at the church with a gathering space for refreshments where people meet after Sunday celebrations. Keep in mind the roads around the building are quite empty, so plan your visit carefully.
The building rests on solid rock rather than coal deposits, which protected it from the underground fire that still burns beneath the town. This geological feature made it the only religious institution able to remain at its original location.
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